Israeli Parties Outline Judicial Reform Stances Ahead of 2026 Elections

As Israel approaches the 2026 general elections, the contentious issue of judicial reform remains a central point of debate among political parties. Ynet surveyed parties with a realistic chance of entering the next Knesset regarding their positions on judicial reform, the composition of the judicial appointments committee, and the Supreme Court's (Bagatz) authority. The responses reveal a spectrum of views on how to balance governmental power, legislative authority, and judicial independence.

Likud declined to participate in the survey, stating they do not engage with questionnaires. Yashar, led by Gadi Eisenkot, expressed a commitment to strengthening Israeli democracy and restoring public trust in democratic institutions and the rule of law, promising to address the imbalance of power and enhance constitutional stability through checks and balances.

Be-Yahad, under Naftali Bennett, called for order after what they described as "brotherly wars" and the "2023 war" that weakened Israel. They aim to regulate relations between the Knesset, government, and judiciary, and pass a Basic Law on legislation, while reinforcing Israel's status as a Jewish and democratic state.

NDI, led by Avigdor Lieberman, reiterated its plan to initiate a constitutional process for a national referendum, which would permanently settle democratic rules and the balance of power. They propose a comprehensive constitutional settlement, referencing a plan by Professors Daniel Friedmann and Uriel Reichman, and former Minister Moshe Nissim, which would require an 80-Knesset-member majority to amend.

Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, announced they are finalizing a detailed legal platform on judicial reform, which will be a flagship issue for the upcoming elections and released soon. The Democrats, led by Yair Golan, differentiate their reform agenda from that of "Rotman and Levin," focusing on citizen interests. They propose an appellate instance between district and supreme courts, strengthening arbitration, expanding staff, and streamlining judicial procedures, advocating for a holistic reform that solidifies separation of powers.

Amcha Yisrael, led by Ofer Winter, believes the balance of power is disrupted and the judiciary has excessive authority. They propose an amendment allowing the Knesset to express the nation's will, with a balanced judicial appointment mechanism and the removal of the Bar Association from the selection committee. The Reservists - Economic Party, led by Yoaz Hendel and Prof. Yaron Zelicha, supports judicial changes, starting with a Basic Law on legislation. They advocate for strengthening the Knesset's status, a balanced judicial appointments committee, and a 72-MK majority to override Supreme Court decisions on striking down laws.

Religious Zionism, represented by Bezalel Smotrich and Simcha Rothman, plans to continue the judicial reform, including secret election of the Supreme Court president by judges, separating the Attorney General's role, and enabling the Knesset to override Supreme Court rulings on unconstitutionality. Smotrich declared the election is about judicial reform and "your freedom." Their plan also involves government appointment of legal advisors in ministries, with the Attorney General appointed based on the Justice Minister's recommendation and a public committee.

The United List supports strengthening the democratic space and protecting all citizens' rights, emphasizing a balance of powers and an independent judiciary that safeguards everyone. Ra'am and Shas, along with Yahadut HaTorah, declined to provide detailed responses, though Shas and Yahadut HaTorah have previously criticized the judiciary for harming their sector's interests and have voted along coalition lines. Benny Gantz's National Unity party acknowledges the judiciary's excessive and unregulated power, warning against politicization. They propose regulating basic laws and limiting judicial intervention in government decisions, while strengthening Knesset oversight.